Memphis, Tenn., Mayor Walter Chandler buys the Memphis Belle, the historic Boeing B- 17F whose crew was the first to complete 25 missions in Europe, from the Reconstruction Finance Corp. for $350. When delivered in 1942, this Flying Fortress had cost the government $314,109. An anonymous donor later sends Chandler a check to cover the cost so no tax dollars would have to be spent.
The Department of the Air Force wants to launch a construction boom with its fiscal 2027 budget, more than doubling its request over 2026, according to budget documents.
